I have some exciting news to report- the Northern Mockingbird that lives in the shrubs of our side yard has hatchlings! I've posted about and referred to this mockingbird several times, and recently I've formed quite the relationship with her. I would often see her on the fence and in the fruit tree on the border of our neighbor's lot, but lately she's been hanging out in the shrub right next to where I park my car. One day I was on the front lawn going through the low bushes and picking up trash that blows into the yard and I saw her there inside one of the bushes. She didn't budge and just watched me intently as I picked up the papers caught in the leaves and branches. That's when I realized her nest must be inside of there. In the weeks since I've watched her hang out at the bush, guarding it carefully. In the morning she'll usually be sitting right on top of it and won't move, even as I open the doors on my car adjacent to the bush. One morning there were two house sparrows harassing her in the bush and I yelled at them and made a commotion to scare them away.
Luckily the nest was untouched and this morning when I was up really early I heard their chirping from inside the nest and there was the mother in her usual perch on top of the bush.
I really wish I could have a pet right now, but our lease doesn't allow cats or dogs. I suppose my mockingbird friend is the next best thing. I like to talk to her as I get into the car and pull out of the driveway on the way to work. Anyone who witnesses this obviously must think I'm crazy.
Am I alone in this? Does anyone else have personal 'bird friends'?
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I also have a special relationship with my yard-bird black-capped chickadees, Mr and Mrs Cardinal, the tufted titmice, etc. I'm never sure if it's the same ones, but I always pretend it is and we have little conversations. But then I often have conversations with trees, creeks, rocks, etc. Maybe I'm just insane!
Hey Jim- that's a crazy story. Where were you playing golf? It's strange to think of a barn swallow out on a golf course- I want to say it was defending its nest. My only experience with barn swallows is on a family friend's farm in Bourne.
I had a chance to check out your beer blog- pretty interesting stuff!
@ dguzman
Thanks for sharing your story! It makes me feel less crazy :) We can't have pets in our apartment so I substitute with my resident Mockingbird. Sounds like you having something similar going on with your work birds. My mother likes to talk to the seagulls on the Cape- she'll pick one and address it as 'Jonathan' as in Jonathan Livingston Seagull (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Livingston_Seagull)
My question..this year they seem real territorial and even dive-bomb the orioles that come to feed. I have seen them chase robins. Over the last five years I never saw this characteristic~! They don't chase the northern flicker because he is big and has attitude..my guess.
Anyone else see this aggressiveness? Thanks..
@iluvflowers- That's wonderful. I think it's neat how mockingbirds nest in bushes. It's rare to see a bird down at your level, but I loved it when there was one nesting in our bushes at our last house.
@Indiana Parkers- I myself have never seen this aggressiveness unless they're protecting a nest. Are they doing this at your feeder?
Thanks for all your responses to my question. I am an obvious lover of our feathered friends ...as all of you are. Nature is a wondrous thing~!
This attack mode is happening just off the front porch where I have three feeders...for them and for me to view. I have always put out an oriole feeder and I think that they discovered grape jelly and love it. So...that is probably what it is...FOOD.
Thanks so much...I will be back~!
I didn't think I would be back SO soon.......